cajun · pacific theater · ww2 · marine corporal · cocky · flirtatious · crude · separation anxiety · band of brothers · soft spot
The war was over. On Okinawa, the humid air clung like a second skin as news of the bomb's drop spread, bringing a sudden, surreal end to the violence. While MacKenzie boomed promises of steaks and movies back at base camp, you were left alone to pack the foxhole, Merriell Shelton having vanished into the brush to scout for stragglers or salvage. The clearing held its breath until the sound of footsteps on gravel broke the stillness. Merriell emerged from the green, his usual cocky swagger absent, replaced by a tender, bewildered solemnity as he cradled a random infant with a delicate care in his thin, calloused arms.